Saturday, Jun. 01, 2002

Oregon shines in our judging of 141 Pinot Noirs from throughout the Pacific Northwest

By Bob Woehler

For more than three decades, Pinot Noir has been Oregon’s signature wine. So it was no surprise that out of the top 16 wines in Wine Press Northwest’s Pinot Noir judging, 15 were from Oregon.

In the most comprehensive varietal tasting ever conducted by the magazine, 141 Pacific Northwest Pinot Noirs were examined by a five-member judging panel in March at Willamette Valley Vineyards near Salem, Ore.

There is a reason Pinot Noir excels in Oregon: The grape made famous in red Burgundies grows extremely well on its lush green slopes and valleys, and the winemakers have a true passion for world-class wine.

The tasting also showed British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley has a bright future with Pinot Noir as B.C. wines garnered accolades by the judges.

Pinot Noir generates passion in both directions: Generally speaking, you either love it or have deep indifference for it. It doesn’t leap to the top of most wine lovers’ lists of red wine choices. But once hooked, Pinot lovers may search a lifetime for a liquid Holy Grail: the perfect Pinot.

Yet Pinot Noir has its place as one of the great wines of the world. Properly made, Pinot Noir has charm, elegance, wonderful cherry and strawberry overtones and a balance of fruit and acids that makes it a fine match with red meat as well as salmon.

One of the judges, Jean Yates, owner of Avalon of Oregon wine shop in Corvallis, Ore., said Pinot Noir is not her best-selling red wine. “It’s definitely an acquired taste that takes a bit of an effort to master.” Oregon Pinot Noir often is on the higher side of the $20 range, so it’s not a casual purchase for most wine consumers.

On our judging panel were three Oregonians, including: Yates; Joe Dobbes, who probably makes more Pinot Noir than anyone in Oregon as winemaker for Willamette Valley Vineyards, Tualatin Estate, Griffin Creek and Torii Mor; and Lisa Shara Hall, the Portland-based author of the new Wines of the Pacific Northwest and senior editor for Wine Business Monthly, an industry publication. Rounding out the panel were two Wine Press Northwest regulars: Bob Woehler, the magazine’s tasting editor and a longtime newspaper columnist; and Coke Roth, a business lawyer and international wine judge for more than two decades.

(Note: Several of Joe Dobbes’ wines were in this tasting. An analysis of his scoring indicated he didn’t know which wines were his.) The wines were tasted single-blind, meaning the judges knew the wines were Pinot Noir but didn’t know the regions, vintages or producers.

Of the 141 wines tasted, 123 were deemed “Recommended” or higher. A few Pinot Noirs from other regions (Burgundy, California and Australia) were dropped from the final list. Sixteen wines earned our coveted “Outstanding” rating. Seven of the top wines were from the 2000 vintage, six from 1999 and three from 1998.

Wineries were asked to submit their current or upcoming releases. In several cases, wineries submitted multiple wines from different vintages, vineyards and blends.

Several longtime producers (Montinore, Elk Cove, Amity, Adelsheim and Erath) showed they’re doing as well as ever, and some relative newcomers also are coming on strong.

Outstanding

Montinore Vineyards, 1999 Parson’s Ridge Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $30 — This well-integrated wine shows tremendous balance with lovely spice and berry aromas, mouth-filling flavors, great structure and a long berry finish. Superb tannins and a spicy finish make this a wine to enjoy now or in a few years.

Elk Cove Vineyards 1999 Reserve Pinot Noir, Oregon, $60 — A huge wine that opens with toasty blockbuster aromas of black pepper and blackberries and jammy flavors that include chocolate and tobacco. This wine’s ample tannins and terrific balance make it a cellar candidate. Benton-Lane Winery 1999 Reserve Pinot Noir, Oregon, $30 — Opening with sweet vanilla aromas and juicy black fruit, this luscious, layered wine offers layers of complexity and a huge finish.

Chateau Benoit 2000 Yamhill Springs Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $40 — This longtime winery hasn’t been known for great Pinots, but new ownership and a commitment to quality are evident in this judging with three wines showing well. This outstanding offering opens with bright berry and vanilla aromas, round, jammy flavors and sweet tannins. Bravo!

Amity Vineyards 1998 Winemakers Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $40 — Myron Redford shows that a quarter-century of experience pays off with three of his four Pinots earning our top rating. Opening with cherry and cedar aromas, this wine offers hints of raspberries and a jammy midpalate. Great acidity makes this a match for alder-smoked salmon or sirloin.

Paschal Winery 2000 Estate Pinot Noir, Rogue Valley, $22 — This, the top Southern Oregon Pinot in our tasting, shows extravagant vanilla and cherry aromas with fruit-forward flavors with a juicy mouth feel and a sexy finish.

CedarCreek Estate Winery 1999 Platinum Reserve Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $35 Canadian — The top B.C. wine in the judging shows a great marriage of oak and fruit with racy acidity, rich, complex black fruit and a delightful finish.

Bridgeview Vineyards 2000 Blue Moon Pinot Noir, Oregon, $17 — A silky, complex wine from opening whiff to the lasting finish, this offers up pleasing berry flavors that are high on our yummy scale.

Amity Vineyards 1999 Sunnyside Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $30 — Lovely berry and cherry aromas seductively lure you to a rich cherry and spice flavors and a long, layered finish. A complete wine.

Willamette Valley Vineyards 1998 Founder’s Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $27 — Showing off the wonderful delicacy one hopes for in a great Pinot Noir, this offers nicely balanced sweet oak and fruit with layers of currants, herbs and bold dried black fruit.

Winter’s Hill Vineyards 1999 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $23 — Spicy oak and fruit aromas lead to sweet berry and chocolate flavors layered with lovely strawberry components. The long, clean finish will leave you with a smile.

Best Buy! Erath Vineyards 2000 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $15 — Dick Erath’s everyday Pinot explodes into the top echelon of our judging with huge strawberry and cherry aromas expertly melded with hints of oak. Its complex layers include spicy, lingering fruit.

Elk Cove Vineyards 2000 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $20 — A Burgundian-style wine with aromas of black fruit, toasted oak and coffee beans. The huge, ripe fruit lasts through a lengthy finish.

Rex Hill Vineyards 2000 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $24 — A charming wine that will warm your soul and make you smile. The silky mouth feel and complex fruit flavors meld expertly with pleasant oak and subtle tannins.

Amity Vineyards 2000 Schouten Vineyards Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $30 — This one hits on all cylinders with outstanding aromas, flavors and finish. Racy pepper and oak aromas lead to rich cherry and berry fruit and a silky farewell.

Adelsheim Vineyard 1999 Bryan Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $45 — Huge pepper, spice and toasty oak aromas give way to dense layers of blackberries and complex flavors. The finish is long and velvety.

Excellent

Ponzi Vineyards 2000 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $30 — This big, tasty red is loaded with complex dusty herb and earthy aromas that lead to ripe fruit flavors and hints of leather and bittersweet chocolate.

Domaine Drouhin Oregon 1999 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $40 — Subtle oak aromas add complexity to this rich wine’s cherry aromas, gorgeous mouth feel, sweet, pleasant tannins and a delicious finish.

Willamette Valley Vineyards 1999 Founder’s Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $ 27 — Big, meaty aromas are a prelude to this wine’s complex layers of strawberry jam, spice and supple tannins. A well-balanced Pinot from start to finish.

Willamette Valley Vineyards 1999 Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $44 — Opening with toasty aromas, the deeply concentrated fruit is backed up with rich tannins and enjoyable length.

Willamette Valley Vineyards 1999 Hoodview Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $44 — Expertly balanced from the blend of berry and oak aromas to the complex, jammy fruit, this is dead-on delicious. Chalky tannins make this an excellent match with prime rib.

Best Buy! Kings Ridge 2000 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $14 — This nicely priced wine from Rex Hill Vineyards is Burgundian in style with tar and earth aromas followed by dark chocolate and juicy, lip-smacking fruit with long, lingering flavors.

Winter’s Hill Vineyards 1998 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, $25 — Classic oak and berry aromas give way to up-front fruit flavors. An elegant and complex wine throughout.

Amity Vineyards 1999 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $20 — A whole lot of berries are going on here, including raspberries, cranberries and cherries. Smooth tannins lead to a long, spicy finish.

Best Buy! Bridgeview Vineyards 2000 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $11 — Priced for everyday enjoyment, this opens with light oak aromas that give way to lively currants, black fruit and caramel. A juicy, well-balanced wine with a smooth sendoff.

Chateau Benoit 2000 Doe Ridge Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $40 — Sweet, spicy oak and vanilla aromas meld into rich, complex layers of flavor on the palate. A well-balanced wine from start to the lengthy finish.

Chateau Benoit 2000 Kestrel Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $40 — This warm and approachable wine welcomes you with berry and oak aromas then builds on the relationship with jammy fruit, sweet tannins and a long, clean finish.

Marquam Hills Vineyards 2000 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $25 — A bright berry and cherry greeting leads to terrific fruit flavors and a lingering finish.

Best Buy! Burrowing Owl Vineyards 2000 Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $18 Canadian — Classic oak and dark fruit components give way to good structure and great acidity for matching with food. Full bodied and smooth. A real consumer’s wine.

Elk Cove Vineyards 2000 Patton Valley Pinot Noir, Oregon, $32 — This complex Pinot offers intriguing espresso and tobacco aromas, rich concentration of fruit and solid tannins.

Lion Valley Vineyards 1999 Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $25 — Big up-front fruit melds with nice, toasty oak and lingering spice and cherry flavors.

Willamette Valley Vineyards 1999 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, $17 — Lovely pepper and spice aromas with rich, dark fruit, including concentrated blackberry flavors. A long, pleasant farewell completes the experience.

Quails’ Gate Estate Winery 2000 Family Reserve Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $30 Canadian — Classic earthy and black fruit aromas give way to generous berry flavors and a long, spicy finish.

Yamhill Valley Vineyards 1998 Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $48 — A huge wine with toasty oak and lovely layered fruit. Bigger than your typical Pinot Noir with satisfying black fruit flavors and rich tannins.

Ankeny Vineyards 2000 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $25 — Black pepper and fruit aromas are balanced with well-integrated oak. Rich, ripe plums dominate the flavor palate on this pleasing wine.

Best Buy! Inkameep Cellars 2000 Reserve Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $18 Canadian — Reportedly the first wine by an aboriginal-owned winery, this opens with wonderful oak and violet aromas that lead to big, concentrated fruit and plenty of jammy sweet tannins.

David Hill Vineyards & Winery 1998 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $30 — Toasty oak and spice aromas give way to nicely concentrated raspberry flavors in this attractive and tasty wine.

Adelsheim Vineyard 1999 Elizabeth’s Reserve, Willamette Valley, $50 — Pleasing leather and toasty aromas are followed by layers of ripe flavors of cherries and plums. Firm acidity makes this a great food wine.

Eola Hills Wine Cellars 1999 La Creole Reserve Pinot Noir, Oregon, $25 — The complex aromas of toasty, spicy, peppery fruit opens to ripe plums with a touch of licorice and approachable tannins.

Best Buy! Hauer of the Dauen Winery 1998 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $14 — Cherries, oak and vanilla beginnings are followed by bold strawberry jam flavors and a mouth-filling finish.

Best Buy! Thornhaven Estate 2000 Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $13 Canadian — Perfumy and strawberry aromas lead to bright berry flavors. This is a pleasing, balanced wine with delicious concentration of fruit.

Willamette Valley Vineyards 2001 Whole Cluster Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $17 — This, typically the first Oregon Pinot Noir released each vintage, is a nouveau-style red meant to drink young. Nice berries, good complexities, fresh and fruity with a soft farewell.

Bishop Creek Cellars 2000 Barrel Selection Pinot Noir, Oregon, $19 — Violets and cherries open this wine. Bright jam flavors are balanced with good tannins for a nice mouth feel.

Domaine Drouhin Oregon 1998 Domaine Selection Lauréne Pinot Noir, Oregon, $40 — Dark cherry and oak aromas lead to strawberry and chocolate flavors. This is a velvety wine with appealing licorice and spice components.

Dundee Springs 1999 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $25 — Opening with balanced oak and berry aromas, this complex, medium-bodied wine offers cherry and plum flavors balanced with solid tannins.

Griffin Creek 1999 Pinot Noir, Rogue Valley, $27 — From Willamette Valley Vineyards Winemaker Joe Dobbes comes this Southern Oregon Pinot Noir with spicy aromas, bright fruit and a clean strawberry finish.

Best Buy! Salishan Vineyards 1999 Pinot Noir, Washington, $12 — Classic aromas of light oak, earth and cherry that lead to bold yet smooth blackberry fruit and a well-balanced mouth feel.

Cristom Vineyards 2000 Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $24 — This pleasing wine opens with light oak and black pepper aromas. The lovely mouth feel offers cherry and dark fruit flavors with a long, smooth, juicy finish.

Montinore Vineyards 1999 Pierce’s Elbow Vineyards, Willamette Valley, $30 — Toasty oak aromas, robust fruit-forward flavors dominated by ripe cherries.

Best Buy! Rainsong Vineyard 1999 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $15 — Opening with wonderful bittersweet chocolate aromas, this tasty red offers big, berry flavors, rich tannins and a smooth finish.

Eugene Wine Cellars 2000 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $19 — A delicious blend of flavors include wild berries, hints of citrus and underlying blackberry nuances. A rich, tasty wine.

Willamette Valley Vineyards Joe Dobbes Signature Cuvée Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $60 — Licorice and spice aromas lead to strawberry and bittersweet chocolate flavors. A lingering, memorable finish.

Eola Hills Wine Cellars 1999 Wolf Hill Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $ 40 — Enjoyable smoky aromas with a hint of vanilla and berry. This rich, enjoyable wine offers chocolate and berry flavors.

Recommended

Best Buy! Eola Hills Wine Cellars 1999 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $12 — This medium-bodied and affordable Pinot opens with lovely charred toast and spice aromas that lead to bright fruit and a smooth finish.

Adelsheim Vineyard 1999 Goldschmidt Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill County, $34 — Spicy oak and hints of cinnamon open this wine. A bright and flavorful wine with a smooth finale.

Arlie Winery 1998 Estate Bottled Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $18 — Tar and smoke aromas lead to big dark fruit flavors. Well balanced throughout, this is a bright, fresh Pinot Noir.

Bridgeview Vineyards 1999 Reserve Pinot Noir, Rogue Valley, $21 — This complex wine opens with classy leather and oak aromas that lead to ripe fruit and layers of complex fruit and a smooth finish.

Best Buy! Gray Monk Estate Winery 2000 Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $14 Canadian — This tasty, food-friendly Pinot offers racy raspberry aromas and flavors with a touch of pomegranates. Good finish.

Best Buy! Jackson-Triggs Vintners 1998 Proprietor’s Reserve Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $15 Canadian — Sexy spice and earth aromas give way to bright, jammy fruit flavors and a long, smooth finish.

Wind River Cellars 2000 Celilo Vineyard Pinot Noir, Washington, $20 — A bright, lovely wine throughout with cherry and strawberry, cleansing acidity and a long, memorable finish.

Best Buy! Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 1999 Optimum Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $20 Canadian — A soft and drinkable red with jammy fruit flavors and a clean, delicious finish.

Best Buy! Calona Vineyards 2000 Artist Series Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $11 Canadian — For about $7 U.S., you’ll enjoy a tasty Pinot with sweet oak aromas, ripe blackberries with underlying spice and a medium finish.

Best Buy! Montinore Vineyards 1999 Winemaker’s Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $15 — Big, round fruity flavors with hints of toasted oak and a strawberry farewell.

Rex Hill Vineyards 1999 Reserve Pinot Noir, Oregon, $48 — Enticing aromas include bright fruit and light cherry cola. This is a smooth, ready-to-drink wine with a soft finish.

Best Buy! Sumac Ridge Estate Winery 1999 Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $12 Canadian — Well structured and nicely priced, this offers bright, up-front fruit and an elegant, jammy mid-palate.

Adelsheim Vineyard 2000 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $24 — Smoky sweet oak, vanilla and coffee aromas give way to robust fruit flavors with hints of bittersweet chocolate and a rich finish.

Dundee Springs 1998 Reserve Pinot Noir, Oregon, $35 — A big wine loaded with fruit and spice with rich berry flavors and a zesty finish.

Erath Vineyards 1998 Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $28 — This all-together tasty wine opens with spicy oak aromas and creamy black currant flavors.

Best Buy! Glenterra Vineyards 2000 Pinot Noir, Vancouver Island, $22 Canadian — The only wine entered from this coastal appellation offers well-integrated oak, pleasant dark fruit with bittersweet chocolate and a chewy mouth feel.

Best Buy! Wallace Brook Cellars NV Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $10 — A dusty oak and cedar beginning with ripe plum and dark chocolate flavors.

Best Buy! Hip Chicks Do Wine 1999 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $15 — A fun, unassuming Pinot with classic ripe cherry aromas and flavors with a tasty chocolate finish.

Lange Winery 1999 Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $26 — A juicy, flavorful, well-balanced red with jammy plum flavors and a tart finish. Best Buy! Mission Hills Family Estate 1999 Bin 88 Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $12 Canadian — Light leather and spice aromas lead to hints of sweet strawberries and an austere finish.

Best Buy! Mission Hills Family Estate 2000 Bin 99, Okanagan Valley, $14 Canadian — A juicy, jammy wine with up-front strawberry nuances and a soft, smooth finish.

Best Buy! Mission Hills Family Estate, 1999 Reserve Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $18 Canadian — A tasty wine with tart cherry aromas, silky texture and a long, spicy finish.

Mt. Boucherie Winery 2000 Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $14 Canadian — Black pepper, spice and cedar aromas lead to a smooth, textured wine with good fruit concentration.

Best Buy! The Academy of Wine 1999 Pinot Noir, Applegate Valley, Oregon, $14 — This Southern Oregon Pinot is loaded with flavors of cherries and cranberries and offers good, food-friendly acidity.

Yamhill Valley Vineyards 1999 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $24 — An easy-drinking wine showing chocolate and toasted oak aromas with concentrated fruit and chocolate nuances.

Erath Vineyards 1999 Leland Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $44 — Classic earthy and spicy oak aromas with nice up-front fruit, a rich mouth feel and a spicy finish.

Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards 2000 Gold Label Series Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $30 Canadian — A fresh, approachable wine with bright cherry flavors and a tart finish.

Best Buy! Hester Creek Estate Winery 1999 Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $13 Canadian — This tasty treat opens with licorice and sweet oak aromas. Approachable cherry flavors lead to a ripe, fruity finish.

Lange Winery 1999 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, $18 — A bright, flavorful wine with rich strawberry aromas and delicious, jammy flavors.

Quails’ Gate Estate Winery 1998 Family Reserve Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $30 Canadian — A big, rich wine with good oak spice, full, jammy flavors and plentiful tannins.

Best Buy! Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 1999 Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $14 Canadian — This lighter-bodied wine opens with pie cherry and strawberry aromas and flavors. A nicely balanced wine with a pleasant finish.

Tualatin Estate 1999 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $28 — Candied fruit flavors lead to wispy oak aromas and delicate, subdued flavors. An elegant wine.

CedarCreek Estate Winery 1999 Estate Select Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $25 Canadian — Understated oak aromas make a nice background for this medium-bodied wine with berry flavors and a solid finish.

Elk Cove Vineyards 2000 Mt. Richmond Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $32 — Opening with leather, toasty oak and black fruit, this is a richly structured wine with elegant fruit flavors and a smooth finish.

Erath Vineyards 1998 Vintage Select Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $24 — This wine’s inviting sweet cherry aromas give way to tangy flavors and a long, bittersweet chocolate finish.

Best Buy! Quails’ Gate Estate Winery 1999 Limited Release Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $18 Canadian — An approachable wine with pretty floral aromas and a bright, strawberry jam feel.

Best Buy! Slamka Cellars 1999 Mt. Boucherie Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $19 Canadian — Pomegranate and pie cherry aromas and ripe fruit flavors highlight this tasty wine.

Best Buy! Slamka Cellars 1998 Mt. Boucherie Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $19 Canadian — Lovely bright fruit aromas and a jammy midpalate make this a delicious, very drinkable Pinot Noir.

Best Buy! The Academy of Wine 2000 Pinot Noir, Applegate Valley, Oregon, $14 — This fruit-driven wine opens with cherry cola aromas and tons of up-front plum and blackberry flavors.

Willamette Valley Vineyards 1998 O’Connor Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $44 — A little closed during this tasting but showing underlying spiciness and jammy blackberry flavors.

Youngberg Hill Vineyards 1999 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $22 — Smoky oak aromas and plenty of big flavors are backed up with a backbone of acidity that makes this a match for red meat.

Tyee Wine Cellars 1998 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $26 — Classic leather and earth aromas lead to a complex palate of chocolate-covered cherries.

Best Buy! Champagne Creek Cellars 1998 Pinot Noir, Umpqua Valley, $8 — Exotic aromas and flavors include strawberries and mint. A pleasant wine with plenty of bright fruit.

Henry Estate 1998 Pinot Noir, Umpqua Valley, $18 — Dusty oak aromas lead to a pleasant midpalate featuring berry and spice components.

Montinore Vineyards 1999 Graham’s Block 7 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $30 — A complex array of aromas, including earth, cedar and vanilla. The big, jammy flavors offer a layer of cinnamon and a medium finish.

Adelsheim Vineyard 1998 Penta Reserve Pinot Noir, Yamhill County, $38 — A pleasant wine with light oak and bright fruit aromas and approachable, smooth flavors.

Bridgeview Vineyards 1998 Red Cedar Vineyard Pinot Noir, Rogue Valley, $30 — A rich wine with vanilla and licorice aromas and bright berry fruit backed up with modest tannins.

Best Buy! Eola Hills Wine Cellars 1999 Oak Grove Vineyard Pinot Noir, Oregon, $12 — An affordable, easy drinking wine with a fruit-forward approach and a medium finish.

Erath Vineyards 1999 Reserve Pinot Noir, Yamhill County, $34 — Showing a lot of toasty oak, this big wine’s ripe strawberry flavors are backed with solid tannins.

Best Buy! Hauer of the Dauen Winery 1999 Estate, Willamette Valley, $14 — Toasty and peppery with smooth strawberry flavors.

Best Buy! Jackson-Triggs Vintners 1999 Proprietor’s Reserve Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $15 Canadian — A bold wine with perfumy aromas and jammy berry flavors.

Best Buy! Montinore Vineyards 2000 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $13 — A tasty wine with intriguing pomegranate and juicy strawberry aromas and flavors and big tannins through the finish.

Best Buy! Quails’ Gate Estate Winery 2000 Limited Release Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $18 — Tar and pepper aromas lead to rich black cherry flavors and a medium finish.

Silvan Ridge 1999 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $22 — An oaky wine with smooth blackberry syrup flavors and underlying spice.

Best Buy! Firesteed Cellars 2000 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $10 — Earthy and blackberry bramble aromas meld with bright fruit in this food-friendly wine.

Best Buy! Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards 1998 Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $13 Canadian — This wine offers nice finesse with its earthy aromas and bright fruit flavors.

Best Buy! Indian Creek Winery 2000 Pinot Noir, Idaho, $14 — The only entry from the Gem State offers soft, supple berry flavors and a rich, concentrated finish.

Lange Winery 1999 Three Hills Cuvée Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $38 — A big wine with tar and blackberry aromas that lead to ripe black fruit and a brooding finish.

Willamette Valley Vineyards 1998 Joe Dobbes Signature Cuvée Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $60 — Showing cedar and complex berry aromas with black cherries, spices and a soft finish.

Erath Vineyards 1998 Leland Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $44 — A bit closed at the moment with light spice and berry aromas and blackberry jam on the midpalate.

Best Buy! Valley View Winery 2000 Pinot Noir, Southern Oregon, $12 — Oaky, plummy aromas are followed by fresh, tart flavors and a medium finish.

Yamhill Valley Vineyards 1999 Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $48 — Complex toast and coffee aromas are layered with fruit, licorice and herbal notes.

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